General Scope of Services and Project Area
Kell Muñoz Architects will provide professional services to develop for the City of Laredo a vision for the downtown that features a viable mix of residential, commercial, retail, dining, entertainment, and public space uses, which integrate mobility in a workable environment that enhances Laredo’s economy, quality of life, and sense of place.
The study area encompasses the downtown area and adjacent areas:
Scott Street/Corpus Christi Street on the north; the Rio Grande on the south; Laredo Community College on the west; and Zacate Creek on the east. The primary focus and greatest detail of study will be in the CBD (Central Business District).
The objectives of the downtown master plan are:
To define the desired character and vision of the downtown.
To define the desired land use, development patterns, growth objectives, and form-based urban design that will enhance and sustain a vibrant and attractive downtown.
Identify the importance of economic development in the redevelopment and revitalization of downtown Laredo.
Provide an implementation plan outlining specific strategies related to economic development and redevelopment that will achieve the desired vision, goals, and future land use scenario.
Define the desired social, cultural, and economic connections between surrounding neighborhoods, downtown, and the region.
Define capital improvements and a regulatory framework that guide public and private investment toward this shared vision of downtown.
Provide an implementation plan outlining specific strategies related to economic development and redevelopment that will achieve the desired vision, goals, and future land use scenario.
Key components of the study and master plan reports will be:
- Access to River and River Bend.
- Arts and Entertainment District development
- Bridges and interrelated issues (both pedestrian and vehicular).
- Bridge I – access; Bridge II – bus processing
- Capital Improvements / Infrastructure.
- sidewalk access and ADA-compliant improvements
- street lighting
- traffic signal analysis
- utilities – relocation underground
- Convention Center
- Economic Development.
- market analysis and economic development
- El Portal.
- Form-based zoning; architectural guidelines and design standards.
- Laredo Main Street program.
- Preservation of historic resources/neighborhoods.
- Public Safety and Security issues.
- River Vega.
- Streetcar.
- Tax incentives, including but not limited to tax abatements and tax increment financing
